![[article cover study.wiki.png]] **[Practical Christianity Wiki Home page]( https://publish.obsidian.md/practical-christianity/About/Biblical+Studies)** [Buy me a coffee?](https://givesendgo.com/PracticalChristianity?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=PracticalChristianity) # Exegesis of Revelation 11: Thought-by-Thought Analysis **Scripture Reference: [Revelation 11:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.1&version=AMP)** --- **Cross Reference**: #Revelation #temple_measurement, #prophetic_witness, #eschatological_kingdom --- ## Introduction: The Temple and the Two Witnesses Revelation 11 presents key eschatological symbols: the measuring of the temple and the ministry of two prophetic witnesses. This chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty over judgment, the persistence of prophetic testimony, and the ultimate victory of Christ's reign over the nations. --- ## Revelation 11:1-2 – Measuring the Temple and the Outer Court - **[Revelation 11:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.1&version=AMP):** John is given a measuring rod and commanded to measure the temple, the altar, and the worshipers. This act of measuring symbolizes divine ownership and protection over those dedicated to worship. Similar imagery appears in [[Ezekiel’s vision]] of the new temple ([Ezekiel 40:3-5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+40.3-5&version=AMP)). - **[Revelation 11:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.2&version=AMP):** The outer court is excluded from measurement and handed over to the Gentiles for forty-two months. The reference to forty-two months, or 1,260 days, corresponds to the period of tribulation described elsewhere in Revelation and [[Daniel’s prophecy]] ([Daniel 12:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12.7&version=AMP)). --- ## Revelation 11:3-6 – The Two Witnesses and Their Prophetic Ministry - **[Revelation 11:3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.3&version=AMP):** God grants authority to two witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. Their appearance in sackcloth signifies repentance, mourning, and a call to judgment. The identity of the two witnesses has been debated, with suggestions ranging from [[Moses]] and [[Elijah]] to symbolizing the prophetic role of the church. - **[Revelation 11:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.4&version=AMP):** The two witnesses are described as two olive trees and two lampstands, a direct reference to [[Zechariah’s vision]] ([Zechariah 4:2-3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+4.2-3&version=AMP)). These symbols indicate their anointing and empowerment by the Spirit of God. - **[Revelation 11:5-6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.5-6&version=AMP):** The witnesses wield divine power. Fire proceeds from their mouths, symbolizing their words of judgment. They have authority to shut the sky, withhold rain, and strike the earth with plagues, reminiscent of the prophetic ministries of [[Elijah]] ([1 Kings 17:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+17.1&version=AMP)) and [[Moses]] ([Exodus 7:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+7.20&version=AMP)). --- ## Revelation 11:7-10 – The Death of the Witnesses - **[Revelation 11:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.7&version=AMP):** When the witnesses complete their testimony, a beast from the abyss makes war on them and kills them. This beast foreshadows the [[Antichrist]], who opposes God’s people in the last days. - **[Revelation 11:8-9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.8-9&version=AMP):** Their bodies lie in the streets of the "great city," spiritually identified as Sodom and Egypt, where the Lord was crucified. This city symbolizes moral decay and rebellion against God. The nations gaze upon their bodies for three and a half days, a period reflecting public humiliation. - **[Revelation 11:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.10&version=AMP):** The inhabitants of the earth rejoice over the death of the witnesses, celebrating their silence. This rejoicing underscores humanity's rejection of prophetic truth and desire to continue in wickedness. --- ## Revelation 11:11-13 – The Resurrection and Ascension of the Witnesses - **[Revelation 11:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.11&version=AMP):** After three and a half days, God breathes life into the witnesses, and they stand on their feet, filling their enemies with terror. Their resurrection reflects God’s power over death and foreshadows the [[resurrection of believers]] at Christ’s return. - **[Revelation 11:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.12&version=AMP):** The witnesses hear a voice from heaven calling them to "Come up here," and they ascend in a cloud. This ascension recalls [[Christ’s ascension]] ([Acts 1:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1.9&version=AMP)) and symbolizes their vindication. - **[Revelation 11:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.13&version=AMP):** At the same hour, a great earthquake occurs, destroying a tenth of the city and killing 7,000 people. The survivors give glory to God, perhaps indicating a momentary acknowledgment of His sovereignty. --- ## Revelation 11:14-19 – The Seventh Trumpet: Christ’s Reign Proclaimed - **[Revelation 11:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.14&version=AMP):** The second woe is past, and the third woe is coming quickly. This statement introduces the final sequence of judgments leading to the return of Christ. - **[Revelation 11:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.15&version=AMP):** The seventh angel sounds the trumpet, and loud voices in heaven declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ." This declaration marks the beginning of Christ’s [[millennial reign]] and the fulfillment of God’s promises. - **[Revelation 11:16-17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.16-17&version=AMP):** The twenty-four elders fall on their faces and worship God, praising Him for taking His great power and beginning His reign. This scene reflects the heavenly anticipation of God’s complete victory over evil. - **[Revelation 11:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.18&version=AMP):** The nations rage, but God’s wrath comes upon them. The time for rewarding His servants and judging the wicked has arrived. This verse encapsulates the dual themes of salvation for the faithful and judgment for the rebellious. - **[Revelation 11:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+11.19&version=AMP):** God's temple in heaven is opened, and the ark of His covenant is seen within it. Lightning, thunder, an earthquake, and hail follow, signaling the power and holiness of God’s presence. --- #### Call to Action: - Be faithful in your witness, even in the face of opposition. - Trust that God's promises will be fulfilled, and His justice will prevail. - Rejoice in the hope of Christ’s reign and the certainty of resurrection. --- **Related Concepts:** - [[Antichrist]] - [[Resurrection of Believers]] - [[Millennial Reign of Christ]] - [[Prophetic Witness]]